Up until recently, Mercedes-Benz South Africa still imported and sold the smart fortwo and forfour models locally. The fortwo was aimed at individuals or couples needing a small and frugal vehicle for the daily commute, whereas the forfour provided the additional seats for the school run while remaining compact for city use.
Although you can no longer purchase a new smart car locally, there are a few used smart models available on AutoTrader. Given the frugality, styling and prices of these models, it is no wonder why some might consider the compact hatch models as a first car. But before you sign the dotted line, there are a few key characteristics to consider first.
Space
As alluded to earlier, if large amounts of luggage space are what you are looking for, both the smart fortwo and forfour might fall short of your requirements. One unique selling point of the smart brand is that its models are compact so that they are frugal and easy to use in congested cities.
While the forfour do offer two additional seats, it has less luggage space, only providing for 185-litres. The smart fortwo retain two seats less than the forfour but its compact design still offers more space with owners gaining access to 260-litres.
Performance
fortwo
As you would expect from a car in this segment, the overall performance can be described as adequate rather than high. However, customers do gain access to a variety of performance levels with each model and there are options for those looking for a more spirited drive.
If you manage to find a smart fortwo Brabus, you can expect to have as much as 80 kW and 170 Nm of torque available from a 0.9-litre, turbocharged, inline-3 cylinder petrol engine. If you are looking for more manageable figures, smart also offered a naturally aspirated, 1.0-litre inline-3 cylinder petrol engine producing 52 kW and 91 Nm of torque.
The perfect middle ground between those two extremes comes in the shape of a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-3 cylinder petrol engine producing 66 kW and 91 Nm of torque. All of the above models have claimed fuel consumption figures below 5.0 L / 100 km, making them all appealing for those looking for frugality.
forfour
The smart forfour employed the same powertrain as found in one of the fortwo models. Thus whether you opted for the base model or one in passion trim and outfitted in Brabus equipment, you would gain access to 52 kW and 91 Nm of torque naturally aspirated 1.0-litre inline-3 cylinder petrol engine.
If on the other hand, you opted for the smart forfour Brabus, you would see the power figures increase to 80 kW and 170 Nm, as this model came fitted with the 0.9-litre, turbocharged, inline-3 cylinder petrol motor. Again all the forfour models claimed fuel consumption figures under 5.0 L / 100 km with some even indicating 4.2 L / 100 km.
Warranty & Service
Both smart fortwo and forfour model ranges were sold with a 2-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as a 3-year / 60 000 km service plan. Customers also received a 6-year / unlimited-kilometre Anti-Corrosion warranty. With some of the most recent new smart fortwo models sold in 2019, you could perhaps still find a vehicle with some of its service plan intact. If this is the case, you could still purchase an extended service plan. More information on the smart South Africa website.
If the used smart model on AutoTrader you are considering is no longer covered by a warranty or service plan, note that most of the service, maintenance and or repair parts will have to be imported which could prove costly. Furthermore, due to the compact design, you will most likely have to complete services or repairs through an official smart service centre or independent specialist.
Safety
One aspect that was truly impressive was the extent to which Mercedes-Benz went to incorporate as many standard safety systems as possible. Whether you opted for the highest specification or the base model fortwo or forfour, vehicle occupants gained access to five airbags as standard. Combined with the ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system, Brake Assist System and Electronic Stability Program and you end up with quite a safe little car.
Verdict
If you are sure that you won't need any additional space in the near future, the smart range will make for an ideal car for a first-time buyer as the compact design and go-kart-like handling makes it easy to navigate small parking spaces and congested roads. In addition to its ease of use, the standard safety systems also add to the reasons why we think a smart car will be a good first car.
